18.10.2007 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Current situation in Kashmir ("a-5670 (ACC-IND-5670)") [ID 21338]

Document(s): Open document

11.10.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Fighting rages in Indian Kashmir near Srinagar as rebels attack police camp on 11 October; no casualties reported; attack comes day before ceasefire declared by United Jehad Council ("Fighting rages in Indian Kashmir as rebels attack police camp"), Autor: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 21349]

Document(s): Open document

08.10.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Report on peace talks between India and Pakistan, ongoing violence Kashmir region and needs to strengthen economy and raise security ("FAST Update Indian-administered Kashmir No. 4: Trends in conflict and cooperation Aug - Sep 2007") [ID 21355]

Document(s): Report

08.10.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Kashmir militants declare three-day Eid ceasefire; Indian military is likely to continue its operations ("Kashmir militants declare three-day Eid ceasefire"), Autor: Reuters Foundation [ID 21356]

Document(s): Open document

03.10.2007 - Source: BBC News

Officials in Indian-administered Kashmir say 2 army officers have been killed in a prolonged clash with militants ("Indian officers killed in Kashmir") [ID 21360]

Document(s): Open document

16.08.2007 - Source: Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Kashmir: 20,000 Hindu migrant workers fled region due to threats of Muslim extremists in past weeks ("20.000 hinduistische Wanderarbeiter fliehen aus Kaschmir-Region") [ID 21036]

Document(s): Open document

09.07.2007 - Source: BBC News

Opposition leader Omar Abdullah survives attack, police say ("Kashmir politician survives blast") [ID 20856]

Document(s): Open document

29.06.2007 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: 13 people die in clashes between militants and security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir ("Thirteen die in Kashmir clashes") [ID 20870]

Document(s): Open document

25.06.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Kashmir: 15 injured in grenade attack; suspected secessionist militant lobbed a grenade at a team of security personnel ("15 injured in grenade attack in Indian Kashmir") [ID 20898]

Document(s): Open document

11.06.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Kashmir: Indian troops shot dead three Islamic militants along the de facto border with Pakistan and a further three people have been killed by rebels, officials say ("Six killed in new Kashmir violence"), Autor: Reuters Foundation [ID 20912]

Document(s): Open document

04.06.2007 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: The Indian army drops plans to renovate Muslim shrines and mosques after a row with clerics ("Army U-turn on Kashmir holy sites") [ID 20925]

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Disappearances in Jammu & Kashmir ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 18952]

"Although government complicity was not always confirmed, scores of persons disappeared in strife and insurgency-torn areas during the year. According to Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) and other NGOs such as ACHR and SAHRDC, the number of newly reported disappearances has decreased compared with the early years of the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. However, there was still virtually no information about the fate of individuals who disappeared since the beginning of the Jammu and Kashmir insurgency.
 In 2003 the Jammu and Kashmir Government stated that 3,931 persons had disappeared in the state since the insurgency began in 1990, compared with an APDP estimate of approximately 8,000 to 10,000. In 2003 the government investigated the APDP list and concluded that 22 "disappeared" persons from a list of 116 had joined insurgent groups or were in Pakistan, while the police had located 43 persons in their homes. Of the rest, the government stated that six were dead, two were in custody with cases registered against them, and investigations were still ongoing in 13 cases. The APDP responded that only 22 had joined the insurgents, that those whom the government claimed were at home were actually still missing, and it demanded details in the cases of the six people whom the government claimed were dead.
 In September 2005 ACHR reported that more than 6,000 cases of disappearances remain unresolved in the state. However, according to the director general of police in Jammu and Kashmir, seven persons disappeared in 2003; three persons in 2004; and two persons in 2005-06. According to APDP, 41 persons had disappeared through September. Reports varied widely on the number of disappearances that occurred.
 "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Torture in Jammu & Kashmir ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19110]

"In Jammu and Kashmir, torture victims or their relatives reportedly had difficulty filing complaints, as local police allegedly were instructed not to open a case without permission from higher authorities. In addition, under the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act of 1990, no "prosecution, suit, or other legal proceeding shall be instituted against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of the powers of the act," without the approval of the central government. The act gives security forces the authority to shoot suspected lawbreakers and those disturbing the peace, and to destroy structures suspected of harboring violent separatists or containing weapons. Human rights organizations alleged that this provision allowed security forces to act with virtual impunity"

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

PSA ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19196]

"The PSA, which applies only in Jammu and Kashmir, permits state authorities to detain persons without charge and judicial review for up to two years. During this time, detainees do not have access to family members or legal counsel. According to the Office of Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, 473 persons in 2005 and 420 during the year were arrested under PSA. According to the ACHR, there were 140 foreign nationals in prisons in Jammu and Kashmir under the PSA.  "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Judicial system in Jammu & Kashmir begins to normalize; nevertheless problems persist ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19224]

"Unlike in previous years, courts were regularly in session and the judicial system began to normalize in Jammu and Kashmir. Nevertheless, the judicial system was hindered because of judicial tolerance of abuses committed as part of the government's anti-insurgent campaign and because of the frequent refusal by security forces to obey court orders. Due in part to intimidation by insurgents and terrorists, courts in Jammu and Kashmir were often reluctant to hear cases involving insurgent and terrorist crimes and failed to act expeditiously, if at all, on habeas corpus cases. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, there were currently 377 persons of unidentified ethnicity and Kashmiris and 136 foreigners in jails."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

AFSPA and Disturbed Areas Act remained in effect in Jammu and Kashmir ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19750]

"The AFSPA and the Disturbed Areas Act remained in effect in the Jammu and Kashmir districts of Kathua, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla, and Kupwara, where active and violent secessionist movements existed. The Disturbed Areas Act gives police extraordinary powers of arrest and detention, and the AFSPA provides search and arrest powers without warrants (see section 1.d.). Human rights groups alleged that security forces operated with virtual impunity in areas under the act. In January a committee headed by Supreme Court Justice Jeevan Reddy recommended the act be scrapped because the government had authority under UAPA to combat the insurgency in the northeast. At year's end, the act remained in force.  "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Accountability by the Jammu & Kashmir government remained a problem ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19751]

"Accountability by the Jammu and Kashmir government remained a serious problem. Human rights groups estimated that 30,000 to 35,000 persons died during the two decades of conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir governor, Lt. General S.K. Sinha, reported 39,000 deaths during the conflict. Security forces committed thousands of serious human rights violations over the course of the insurgency, including extrajudicial killings, disappearances (see section 1.b.), and torture (see section 1.c.). Killings of security force members by insurgents and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir declined to 330 during 2005, according to home ministry statistics. As of August 2005, the Jammu and Kashmir police claimed fighting in Kashmir had resulted in the deaths of 167 security forces, 359 civilians, and 622 insurgents. According to the Jammu and Kashmir police, militants killed 385 civilians, security forces killed 554 terrorists, and insurgents killed 177 security forces. According to South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), as of December 18, there were 340 civilians, 166 security force personnel, and 592 terrorists killed as a result of terrorist violence.  There were continuing reports of civilians killed in cross fire in Jammu and Kashmir during the year."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Pandits (Hindu Brahmins) repeatedly targeted by insurgents ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19752]

"Terrorists and insurgents operating in Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, and Doda areas of Jammu and Kashmir repeatedly targeted the minority Pandit (Hindu Brahmin) community, stabbing and killing entire families at a time in numerous incidents throughout the year. For example, in June insurgents killed one man and injured 13 persons, cutting the noses and ears from two victims in the Udhampur District.  "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Tension along the Line of Control minimal ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19755]

"Unlike in previous years, tension along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir was minimal. The Home Ministry reported no cases of artillery shelling, mortar, or small arms fire across the LOC or on the Siachen glacier. "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

TV operator stopped airing programs following threats from separatists ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19766]

"In May the main cable television operator in Kashmir stopped airing programs following threats from separatists. The cable company noted that separatists, thought to be members of a little-known group called the Al-Madina Regiment, complained of the "depraved nature" of the programming. A larger insurgent group, Hizbul Mujahideen, denied that any separatists were involved and accused local officials of orchestrating a shut-down to divert attention from a sex scandal.  "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Jammu and Kashmir human right commision not satisfied with cooperation of the state government ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19876]

"In April 2005 the Jammu and Kashmir human rights commission charged the state government, particularly the deputy commissioners, with diluting its authority and brushing aside its recommendations. In August Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig told the state assembly that in the past four years, 14 disappearance cases and 27 custodial death cases were reported to the Jammu and Kashmir state human rights commission.  "

Document(s): Open document

01.01.2007 - Source: BBC News

According to police, soldiers have killed 2 militants in clash near Srinagar ("Two killed in Kashmir gun battle") [ID 18757]

Document(s): Open document

29.12.2006 - Source: BBC News

Civilian reportedly killed by a landmine in Srinagar ("Civilian killed by Srinagar mine") [ID 18754]

Document(s): Open document

27.12.2006 - Source: BBC News

Thousands protest over the killing of a driver they say was forced to transport troops ("Kashmir protest against killing") [ID 18752]

Document(s): Open document

18.12.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Landmines disrupt village life ("Kashmir: Landmines disrupt village life"), Autor: ICBL [ID 18779]

Document(s): Open document

13.12.2006 - Source: Asian Centre for Human Rights

Attacks on the minorities by the AOGs in J ("SAARC Human Rights Report 2006") [ID 18443]

"Religious minorities of Jammu and Kashmir were specific targets of the armed opposition groups (AOGs). On 12 May 2005, the armed opposition groups threw a grenade into Tyndale Biscoe Memorial High School, a Christian missionary school at Lal Chowk, Srinagar killing two women guardians and injuring 50 people including 20 school children.[296]
On 29 July 2005, militants slit the throats of five Hindus identified as Karnail Singh, son of (s/o) Tota Singh, Dharam Singh, s/o Rambo, Saran Singh, s/o Sheru, Ashok Kumar and Sahber Singh both sons of Mangal Singh, after dragging them out of their houses at Dhar Sankari in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.[297]
Again on 10 October 2005, militants slaughtered 10 Hindus of two families in the Budhal area of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.[298] On 23 October 2005, seven Hindu families comprising of about 31 persons reportedly fled their hamlet in Rajouri district after militants threatened to kill them.[299]"

Document(s): Open document

12.12.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Kashmir: Violence between June and November 2006 ("FAST Update India/Kashmir: Semi-annual risk assessment Jun - Nov 2006"), Autor: SwissPeace [ID 18113]

Document(s): Open document

20.06.2006 - Source: BBC News

Politicians held in sex scandal ("Politicians held in sex scandal") [ID 15503]

Document(s): Open document

24.03.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

There are concerns over the continuing failure of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to bring to justice those responsible for the death of human rights lawyer, Jalil Andrabi, 9 years ago ("Nine years after Jalil Andrabi's death perpetrators still free") [#30590],  [ID 7167]

Document(s): Open document

14.03.2005 - Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Attacks on the press in 2004: analysis of press conditions ("Attacks on the press in 2004") [#30129],  [ID 7168]

Document(s): Open document

19.01.2005 - Source: BBC News

Officer accused of raping and molesting 3 women in Indian-administered Kashmir, cleared of charges ("Soldier cleared of Kashmir rape") [#28377],  [ID 7169]

Document(s): Open document

20.12.2004 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: Indian officer accused of raping and molesting 3 women is being tried by court-martial ("India major in rape court-martial") [#27770],  [ID 7170]

Document(s): Open document

12.11.2004 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and about a dozen supporters arrested ahead of a planned protest over the alleged rape of a woman and her daughter by an Indian army officer ("Kashmir separatist chief arrested") [#26925],  [ID 7171]

Document(s): Open document

10.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

The Kashmir Conflict: Historical background ("Country Report - October 2004") [#28325],  [ID 7172]

"[...]6.165 According to Wikipedia.com (accessed 7 September 2004), the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir has been disputed by India and Pakistan since both countries gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1947. It has been the cause of two of the three wars between India and Pakistan (1947 – 1948, 1965 and 1971). [76b] (p.1-5) According to The Council on Foreign Relations - Terrorism: Q&A, updated in 2004, India controls about two thirds of the disputed territory, which it calls Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan controls about one-third, which it calls Azad (meaning free) Kashmir. China also controls two small sections of northern Kashmir [79] (p.2) called Aksai Chin. [76b]. According to an FCO document dated 26 April 1996, Muslims form about 95% of the population of the Kashmir Valley, while Hindus are in the majority in Jammu region (about 65%). [7c]

6.166 According to a Reuters News Service report dated 7 September 1996, on Partition in 1947, Kashmir with its largely Muslim population was expected to go to Pakistan. The Hindu ruler wanted Kashmir to stay independent but faced a revolt in the west and invasion by Pathan tribesmen from Pakistan. In October 1947 the Maharajah signed an instrument of accession to India in return for military aid and the territory became a battlefront in fighting between India and Pakistan. A cease-fire came into effect in 1949. [8a] According to FCO correspondence dated 1996, a UN Military Observer Group (UNMOGIP) has been in place monitoring the cease-fire line (that was agreed between India and Pakistan in July 1949) ever since (redefined as the "Line of Control" after the 1971 war). [7c] As noted in the Reuters news report of 7 September 1996, two further wars in 1965 and 1971 left positions virtually unchanged. [8a]

6.167 As noted in FCO correspondence dated 1996, the status of Kashmir remained highly sensitive for both India and Pakistan; many of the Kashmir Valley's population are not reconciled to being included in India but are divided as to whether they would prefer independence or to join Pakistan. Under the peace agreement signed at Simla in July 1972, both sides agreed "to settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations or by other peaceful means mutually agreed on between them", and they committed themselves to a final settlement of the problem. The Indians have since held that, by this agreement, Pakistan is precluded from invoking the United Nations resolutions in an effort to resolve problems with India. Pakistan does not accept this interpretation and regularly calls for a peaceful settlement "on the basis of the UN resolutions and in the spirit of the Simla Agreement". [7c]

6.168 According to the Norwegian Refugee Council in a report dated 9 June 2004, growing dissatisfaction throughout the 1980s reached a level in 1986 when discontent within the state found wider popular support. “In that year the state’s ruling National Conference (NC) party, widely accused of corruption, struck a deal with India’s Congress Party administration that many in Kashmir saw as a betrayal of Kashmir’s autonomy. ..Blatant rigging assured a National Conference victory, which was followed by the arrests of hundreds of Muslim United Front (MUF) leaders and supporters. In the aftermath, young MUF supporters swelled the ranks of a growing number of militant groups who increasingly crossed over to Pakistan for arms and training…In the late 1980s, the groups began assassinating NC leaders and engaging in other acts of violence. Some groups also targeted Hindu families, and a slow exodus of Hindus from the valley began…On 19 January 1990, the [Indian] central government imposed direct rule on the state. From the outset, the Indian government’s campaign against the militants was marked by widespread human rights violations, including the shooting of unarmed demonstrators, civilian massacres, and summary executions of detainees.” [87] (p.15) As cited in a Reuters news service report 1996, this lasted until the 1996 State assembly elections. [8a] According to a UNHCR background paper 1998, “Following select killings of community members and widespread anarchy, almost the entire Hindu community (Pandits) of the Kashmir Valley was reported to have fled during 1989-90”, as the violence increased. [6e](p8) The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in its report ‘Profile of Internal Displacement: India’ dated 9 June 2004, estimates that between 250,000 and 400,000 Pandits, the term ‘Pandit’ is used to identify Hindu Kashmiris, who fled their homes seeking protection in the cities of Jammu and Delhi. [87] (p.14)

6.169 A BBC news report dated 11 August 2003 reported that, “A key militant group in Indianadministered Kashmir, Hizbul Mujahideen, has appealed to Kashmiri Hindus who fled their homes after the start of armed conflict 13 years ago, to return home.” Supreme Commander Syed Salahuddin promised full protection to the Hindus and asked for their support in the freedom struggle. This is the first time a militant group has promised to give returnees protection.[32az] A Dawn news report dated 13 August 2003 stated that at least 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits have left the strife-torn valley since a revolt against New Delhi’s rule erupted in 1989.[41a] [...]"

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05.07.2004 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: protests have broken out after one of the oldest schools in Srinagar was destroyed in a fire ("Tension over Kashmir school fire") [#23796],  [ID 7173]

Document(s): Open document

01.07.2004 - Source: BBC News

Kashmir: police have stopped more than 100 Hindu pilgrims from trekking to the Hindu cave shrine of Amarnath ("Police stop Hindu pilgrim march") [#23733],  [ID 7174]

Document(s): Open document